PDF Summary:God Save the Queen Diva!, by Big Freedia

In God Save the Queen Diva!, Big Freedia shares their journey as a trailblazer in the Bounce music scene. From a challenging childhood in New Orleans and finding their voice in the church choir, to expressing themselves through bold fashion and shifting from gospel to the vibrant Bounce genre, this memoir explores Freedia's artistic development and rise to fame.

Freedia details their impact on Sissy Bounce, their unwavering hustle in building a fanbase, and their eventual mainstream breakthrough. They recount health struggles, complex relationships, and their commitment to family and community amidst a burgeoning career. Revealing personal hardships and triumphs, Big Freedia's memoir celebrates the power of authenticity.

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• The value of the lessons learned could be subjective, and what Freedia found invaluable might not be as crucial for someone else in a similar role or career path.

Freedia's Creative Expression Through Fashion and Personal Style

Beyond their musical talents, Freedia also expressed themselves through fashion choices, embracing a bold and vibrant style that served as a form of self-expression and empowerment.

Big Freedia's Bold, Flamboyant Fashion as Self-Expression

Freedia’s personal style is a testament to their embrace of individuality and self-embrace. They describe their early experimentation with hairstyles, boldly trying freezes, finger waves, and Caesar cuts, much to the consternation of their stepfather but with the eventual acceptance of their mother. This bold approach to fashion wasn't merely about aesthetics; it reflected Big Freedia's refusal to conform to societal expectations and their unwavering commitment to living authentically, despite facing judgment and criticism.

Freedia describes the transition from their school briefcase to a handbag, a seemingly minor detail that symbolized their growing comfort in expressing their femininity. Their evolving fashion choices, often inspired by their mother and their fashion-savvy Uncle Percy, became an integral part of their stage persona, contributing to the creation of their signature Queen Diva style.

Context

• "Freezes" are a type of hairstyle where the hair is styled to appear frozen in place, often with the use of strong gels or sprays. "Finger waves" are a method of setting hair into waves using fingers and a comb, popularized in the 1920s and 1930s. "Caesar cuts" are short hairstyles with a small fringe, named after Julius Caesar, who is often depicted with this style.
• Fashion can significantly impact an individual's mental health and self-esteem. By embracing styles that reflect their true self, Freedia likely experiences a sense of empowerment and confidence, which is crucial for personal well-being.
• Such a transition can influence how others perceive and interact with the individual, potentially challenging stereotypes and encouraging broader acceptance of diverse gender expressions.
• The acceptance and encouragement from their community, including family members like Uncle Percy, provided a safe space for Freedia to explore and express their identity through fashion.

Freedia's Shift From Choir to Bounce and Growth as a Performer

This section focuses on Freedia's pivotal shift from gospel music to Bounce, exploring their emergence as a charismatic performer.

Freedia Discovers Bounce and Commands the Stage

Freedia's world shifted with the arrival of Bounce, a genre that resonated with their energetic personality and desire for self-expression. They were introduced to Bounce by their close companion, Adolph, igniting a passion that would redefine their musical path. Bounce provided an escape from the constraints of their everyday life, offering a space where they could freely express their sexuality and artistic talents.

Freedia describes their early experiences at venues, witnessing the raw energy and uninhibited choreography that characterized the culture. These experiences fueled their desire to perform, leading to their role as a supporting dancer and enthusiastic cheerleader for their friend, Katey Red, one of Bounce's trailblazing transgender artists. These early stage performances gave Freedia an invaluable platform to refine their stage presence and hone their ability to connect with listeners.

Context

• Bounce has been particularly significant for the LGBTQ+ community in New Orleans, providing a platform for expression and visibility. Artists like Katey Red and Big Freedia have been pioneers in bringing LGBTQ+ narratives to the forefront through this genre.
• Adolph, as a close companion, likely played a crucial role in Freedia's personal and artistic development, providing not just an introduction to Bounce but also support and encouragement in exploring this new musical direction.
• Performing alongside established artists like Katey Red allows emerging performers to learn the nuances of engaging an audience, managing stage dynamics, and developing a unique performance style.
• Performing in Bounce involves mastering rhythmic timing, crowd interaction, and the ability to maintain high energy levels, all of which are crucial skills for engaging live audiences effectively.

Big Freedia's Rise and Success in Music and Bounce

This section chronicles their rise to prominence within the genre, highlighting their impact on the movement they helped found, their unwavering work ethic, and their eventual mainstream breakthrough.

Freedia's Influence on the Genre of Sissy Bounce

Freedia's contributions to the sissy bounce scene are undeniable. They were at the forefront of a wave of gay artists who injected a new flavor into Bounce, challenging traditional gender norms within hip-hop and creating space for queer expression within a genre often defined by masculinity. Their performances, characterized by flamboyant style and sexually charged lyrics, resonated with audiences, particularly women seeking a break from the misogynistic themes often present in mainstream rap.

Freedia's Collaborations and Contributions to Sissy Bounce

The author embraces collaboration, working with other artists to elevate Sissy Bounce. Their partnership with Katey Red is particularly notable, propelling both of them to new heights of success. Freedia also describes their creative collaborations with artists like Sissy Nobby, highlighting the bond and shared passion for pushing the boundaries of Bounce music. Freedia not only performs but also explores production and songwriting, creating tracks that capture the essence of New Orleans street life.

Practical Tips

• Collaborate with a local artist to create a mixed-media project that combines your skills. If you're a writer, team up with a painter or musician to create a story that's illustrated or set to music, showcasing how different art forms can enhance each other and reach new audiences.
• Host a small music appreciation gathering where each person brings a song from a genre they're passionate about. This can be an opportunity to explore and discuss different musical styles and their cultural significance. Create a playlist of the songs shared, and encourage discussions about what elements could be combined to create something new and exciting.

Freedia's Work Ethic and Determination to Make Her Passion a Successful Music Career

Freedia's journey as an artist in the Bounce scene exemplifies a commitment to hard work and hustle. They relentlessly pursued opportunities, performing at clubs, block parties, and appearing in talent shows at high schools, fueled by a deep passion for music and a determination to succeed. Freedia's success didn't happen overnight, reflecting a steady climb towards wider recognition and broader acceptance as an LGBTQ+ artist within the Bounce movement.

Freedia's Resourceful Music Industry Hustle and Loyal Fan Base Building

Aware of the need to expand their skillset, Freedia ventured into decorating work, leveraging their creative talents to transform events and venues, earning extra income and building their reputation within their community. This entrepreneurial spirit extended to their music career, as they utilized strategies like self-produced CDs and strategic battles with other artists, generating buzz, building a loyal following, and forging their reputation as a powerhouse in the Crescent City's music scene. Freedia understood the need to take ownership of their career and create their own opportunities.

Practical Tips

• Create a virtual mood board for different types of rooms using free online tools like Pinterest or Canva. This helps you practice design concepts, understand trends, and develop an eye for aesthetics. Plus, it's a low-risk way to experiment with various styles and themes before committing to physical changes.
• Identify a niche skill or interest you have and offer free mini-consultations to friends or local businesses. By sharing your expertise at no cost initially, you create a portfolio of work and testimonials that can lead to paid opportunities. For example, if you're good at social media, help a friend's business with their Instagram strategy and use the results as a case study for future clients.

Freedia's Mainstream Breakthrough and National Recognition of Bounce's Impact

This section focuses on the pivotal moments that catapulted Freedia into the national spotlight, marking the period when Bounce began to gain wider recognition and acceptance.

Big Freedia's Media Presence, Major Collaborations, and Impact of Miley Cyrus's Twerking Trend

Freedia's journey reached a turning point with a feature in the New York Times Magazine, a piece that brought their unique style and the Sissy Bounce genre to a wider audience. Recognizing the importance of media, they seized every opportunity to share their story and promote Bounce culture. As their performance career expanded, Freedia embraced high-profile collaborations, lending their vocals to tracks by established acts like Galactic, gaining exposure to larger audiences and broadening their musical horizons.

The "twerking" phenomenon brought about by Miley Cyrus's controversial performance at the VMAs further propelled Bounce into mainstream consciousness. Freedia became a sought-after expert on where twerking began, appearing on various media outlets—from NPR to BuzzFeed—to explain Bounce culture's rich history. This sudden spotlight allowed Freedia to advocate for crediting the genre's Black origins, ensuring the acknowledgment of its roots.

Context

• Miley Cyrus's 2013 MTV Video Music Awards performance brought twerking into the spotlight, sparking widespread discussion and controversy over cultural appropriation and the erasure of its Black origins.
• The mainstream media often overlooks the origins of cultural phenomena, leading to a lack of recognition for the communities that created them. This can result in cultural appropriation, where elements of a culture are adopted without proper acknowledgment or respect.

Other Perspectives

• The impact of a single publication, even one as prominent as the New York Times Magazine, should not be overestimated, as cultural movements are often the result of multiple influences and exposure through various channels.
• Big Freedia's efforts to share their story and promote Bounce culture through media may have faced limitations in reaching certain demographics that are less engaged with the platforms used for promotion.
• High-profile collaborations could potentially overshadow Big Freedia's own style and contributions if the audience primarily focuses on the more famous acts involved.

Freedia's Challenges and Triumphs as Her Career Expands

This section explores the obstacles Freedia faced as their career gained momentum, focusing on their health struggles, the complexities of personal and professional relationships, and their continued commitment to family and community amid adversity.

Freedia's Health Struggles and Resilience

Big Freedia's rise to stardom was met with significant health challenges. They recount their excruciating battle with a stomach ulcer, requiring multiple surgeries that forced them to prioritize their physical well-being. These health struggles, coupled with persistent rumors about their HIV status, highlight the pressures and anxieties that often accompany a public persona, particularly within a culture rife with stigma and misinformation.

Big Freedia's Battle With Stomach Issues and Determination to Perform

Their dedication to their craft is evident in their decision to push through their health issues. Despite agonizing pain and frequent hospitalizations, they soldiered on, fulfilling performance commitments and touring whenever physically able. This unwavering determination showcases their professionalism and commitment to their fans.

Their resilience amid adversity is a testament to their inner strength. They refused to allow their health limitations to derail their career, often performing soon after surgeries and refusing to make excuses for their struggles.

Practical Tips

• Create a personal resilience journal to track your daily commitments and the challenges you face. By documenting your experiences, you can reflect on how you've managed to push through difficult times, similar to how a performer might overcome health issues to meet their professional obligations. This journal can serve as a motivational tool and a record of your perseverance, helping you to identify patterns in your resilience and areas for improvement.
• Volunteer for a cause you're passionate about and make a pledge to participate regularly, regardless of minor inconveniences. This could mean helping out at a local shelter every week or committing to a monthly beach clean-up. The key is to stick to your commitment, showing that you prioritize the cause even when it's not easy or comfortable for you. This action mirrors the dedication of those who perform despite personal discomfort.
• Partner with a peer for mutual progress checks. Find someone with similar dedication to their craft and agree to regular check-ins where you share your progress, challenges, and receive feedback. This partnership can foster a sense of community and shared dedication, pushing you to stay committed even when motivation wanes.
• Create a "resilience roadmap" for a future project or goal. Outline potential obstacles you might encounter and plan proactive responses. This preemptive thinking will prepare you mentally for adversity and reduce the impact of unexpected challenges. For instance, if you're aiming to run a marathon, anticipate issues like injuries or bad weather and plan how you'll adapt your training accordingly.
• Invest in adaptive technology or tools that can assist you in performing your job with less physical strain. For instance, if you're a graphic designer recovering from hand surgery, using a tablet with a stylus may be less painful than using a traditional mouse. Or, if you're a teacher, consider voice-to-text software to prepare lesson plans without typing.
• Develop a personal mantra that reinforces your commitment to facing struggles head-on. Repeat this mantra during times of stress or when you're tempted to make excuses. Your mantra could be as simple as "Challenges make me stronger," which serves as a reminder of your resilience and ability to overcome adversity.

Big Freedia Navigates Complex Personal and Professional Relationships

Their climb to success was accompanied by challenges, particularly in managing personal and professional relationships. As their career gained momentum, the dynamics of their relationships—with their manager, booking agent, and romantic partner—underwent shifts causing friction, misunderstandings, and ultimately, the need for them to assume control and assert their vision for their career.

Partnerships and Arising Tensions With Managers, Promoters, and Collaborators

Initially, their close friend, Adolph, was a confidante and source of support as they explored the Bounce scene; as Freedia's career gained momentum, they sought a dedicated manager, leading them to Kenneth Taylor (KT). KT, a savvy businessman, provided crucial guidance and advice, teaching Freedia the intricacies of the music industry and instilling valuable lessons about securing payment and navigating the often-shady world of club promoters. They would go on to have other managers and promoters, specifically Rusty Lazer and Boss. These relationships eventually deteriorated, primarily due to differing visions for their professional future.

Freedia also details the challenges of maintaining romantic relationships amidst a demanding tour schedule. The author openly discusses the difficulties of navigating trust and commitment while managing a public persona and constantly being on tour.

Practical Tips

• Create a small fund or savings account dedicated to supporting local artists or cultural events. Even a modest financial contribution can make a significant difference for small-scale creators, helping to fund materials, venue rentals, or marketing efforts.

Other Perspectives

• KT's expertise in the music industry and securing payment might have been strong, but it could have come with a lack of focus on other important aspects of an artist's career, such as branding or creative control.
• The deterioration of relationships could also be a natural part of professional growth and evolution, rather than a negative outcome.
• For some individuals, a partner's tour schedule can provide opportunities for personal growth and independence, which can, in turn, enhance the romantic relationship.
• The presence of a public persona does not necessarily complicate romantic relationships; for some, it may even provide a clear separation between their professional and personal lives, allowing them to manage relationships effectively.

Freedia's Rising Star: Commitment to Family and Community

Despite the challenges of a rising career, Freedia remained committed to their family and community. Their affection for their mother remained steadfast, providing care and support as she battled cancer, and their devotion to their siblings is evident through their unwavering support during trying times.

Freedia's Role as Caretaker After Hurricane Katrina

Freedia's commitment to their community extends to their role as a caretaker and source of strength after Hurricane Katrina. The catastrophic event devastated New Orleans, but Freedia rallied their family and sought refuge for loved ones while enduring the loss of their home and navigating their own trauma. They recount their traumatic experiences during the storm, highlighting their bravery, resourcefulness, and compassionate nature. As they settled in LaPlace with their mother, Freedia organized trips to perform in Houston, spreading the joy of Bounce to a displaced community seeking solace and connection.

Context

• Taking on a caretaker role often involves providing emotional support, organizing resources, and fostering a sense of community, especially important in the context of disaster recovery where official aid can be delayed or insufficient.
• In the aftermath of the hurricane, community leaders and local artists played crucial roles in providing support, organizing relief efforts, and maintaining cultural connections among displaced populations.
• The hurricane led to a severe housing crisis, with many residents losing their homes and being forced to relocate, often permanently, due to the extensive damage and slow recovery efforts.
• Survivors often experienced severe emotional and psychological stress, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD, due to the loss of homes, loved ones, and the disruption of their communities.
• Beyond personal actions, Freedia's role can be seen as part of a larger movement of community advocacy, where individuals took on leadership roles to address the needs of their communities in the absence of immediate governmental support.
• Family support was crucial for many individuals recovering from the trauma of Hurricane Katrina. Staying with family members, like Freedia did with their mother, provided emotional and logistical support during a challenging time.
• The relocation of New Orleans residents to Houston created a unique cultural exchange, as displaced individuals sought to maintain their cultural practices and community ties in a new environment.